8 Hour Tampa Night Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour night offshore charter targets grouper, wahoo, mahi, and tunaProfessional captain uses local knowledge and nighttime fishing patternsComplete setup includes rods, reels, bait, tackle, and fishing license
When the sun starts setting over Tampa Bay, that's when the real action begins out in the Gulf. FishHawk Charters' 35 Contender ProSport Series takes you into prime offshore waters for an 8-hour night fishing adventure that'll change how you think about fishing after dark. Starting at 5:00 PM, you'll head out to some of the most productive fishing grounds where the big boys come up to feed once the heat of the day fades. This isn't your typical day trip – night fishing opens up a whole different world of opportunities, and our local captains know exactly where to find the fish when they're most active.
You're looking at 8 solid hours of fishing time with up to 5 other anglers, which gives everyone plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. The 35 Contender ProSport Series is built for offshore work – stable, fast, and equipped with everything you need for a successful night on the water. We'll cruise out to depths where the big fish roam, and your captain will use decades of local knowledge to position you over structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where fish stack up after sunset. The Gulf of Mexico transforms at night, and you'll experience firsthand why so many charter captains swear by evening and overnight trips. The boat comes loaded with top-shelf electronics, so even in the dark, we're reading bottom structure, marking bait schools, and staying on the fish.
Night offshore fishing requires a different approach, and we've got it dialed in. You'll be working with a combination of bottom fishing, trolling, and drift techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. When we're bottom fishing, we're dropping live and cut bait down to structure where grouper and amberjack set up shop. The trolling game at night can be absolutely lights-out for wahoo, mahi, and tuna that move into shallower water to hunt. We'll also spend time drifting over productive areas, letting baits work naturally in the current. All your rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, plus your fishing license is covered. The captain supplies everything from circle hooks for bottom fishing to high-speed trolling lures that trigger aggressive strikes. Live bait wells keep sardines, pilchards, and other prime baits fresh throughout the trip.
The target species list reads like a who's who of Gulf Coast gamefish. Greater Amberjack are absolute bruisers that'll test your stamina and drag system. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can push well over 50, and they fight dirty – straight down toward structure where they try to cut you off. Cobia are another customer favorite, especially during their spring and fall migrations when they cruise the surface near structure. Red Snapper remain one of the most sought-after species, and night fishing often produces bigger fish that are more willing to bite. Gag Grouper are structure-oriented fish that feed heavily after dark, making night trips prime time for landing keeper-sized fish. The real showstopper is the Goliath Grouper – these giants can exceed 200 pounds and provide a once-in-a-lifetime fight, though they're catch-and-release only. Each species requires different techniques and presentations, which keeps the night interesting and gives everyone a shot at their target fish.
Greater Amberjack are the heavyweight champions of the reef, and Tampa's offshore waters hold some real monsters. These fish are most active during cooler months from October through March, and they absolutely love to feed at night around wrecks and artificial reefs. What makes them so exciting is their initial run – when you hook a big AJ, it's going straight to the bottom with authority, and you better be ready for a long fight. They're also excellent table fare when prepared properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Cobia are like the golden retrievers of the fish world – curious, approachable, and absolutely delicious. Spring and fall migrations bring schools of these brown sharks (as locals call them) through Tampa's offshore waters, and they often travel in groups. Night fishing can be particularly effective because cobia will come up to investigate boat lights and the bait activity they attract. These fish average 20-40 pounds and are known for their dogged, steady fight rather than spectacular jumps. The meat is some of the best eating in the Gulf, with a texture similar to shark but much milder flavor.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Gulf fishing, and night trips often produce the biggest specimens. These fish are most active from May through October, though regulations determine when you can actually keep them. Snapper are structure-oriented and incredibly wary during daylight hours, but darkness gives anglers a definite advantage. The fight isn't spectacular, but there's something deeply satisfying about the steady pull of a good snapper, and few fish beat red snapper on the dinner table.
Gag Grouper are the thinking angler's fish – they require patience, technique, and a little luck to consistently catch. These fish are most active during cooler months and are notorious for their ability to find structure when hooked. Night fishing levels the playing field because gags become more aggressive feeders after dark. They're ambush predators that inhale baits, so you need to be ready to set the hook and start pumping immediately. The reward is some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for any preparation.
Goliath Grouper are the stuff of legends – fish that can weigh more than the angler trying to catch them. Tampa's offshore waters hold a healthy population of these giants, which are now protected and must be released. Goliaths are most commonly encountered around large structure like wrecks, artificial reefs, and natural ledges.
Fish the Gulf waters aboard this 35' Contender built to handle Tampa's offshore conditions with speed and stability. The high-performance hull cuts through waves while advanced Raymarine electronics and fish finder help locate those prime night feeding spots where grouper, wahoo, and mahi come alive after dark. With a spacious deck for up to 6 anglers, enclosed head, and large live bait tank, you'll have everything needed for serious bottom fishing and trolling action. The T-top provides cover while GPS and radar keep you on target in low-light conditions. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 8-hour night run, while the wireless trolling motor lets you drift quietly over structure where big fish hunt. This boat means business when it comes to putting you on Gulf species that feed aggressively once the sun goes down.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks because of their dark brown coloring and single dorsal fin. They average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. Unlike most fish, they're loners - you won't find schools. They cruise around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet, but also hang near the surface where you can sight-fish them. Spring through summer is prime time when they move through our area. What guests love is the aggressive fight and that they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - firm, white meat with great flavor. They'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, and even topwater lures. My tip: when you spot one, cast ahead of where it's swimming and work your bait naturally back toward it.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are chunky, mottled gray fish that average 5-15 pounds, with some reaching 30+ pounds. They're ambush predators that hang around rocks, reefs, and wrecks in 60-150 feet of water. What makes them tricky is they love structure - the same places that'll break you off if you're not careful. They're most active during cooler months when the season's open. Guests love them because they're excellent eating with firm, white meat, and they put up a solid fight. Once hooked, they'll immediately try to dive back into their hole. Live pinfish and large shiners work best, but cut bait like squid and crab also produces. The key is heavy tackle - 50+ pound line and a locked drag. My tip: fish right on the structure but be ready to horse them up immediately when they bite.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of our reefs - massive fish that can reach 400-800 pounds and 8 feet long. They're protected, so it's strictly catch-and-release, but hooking one is a bucket-list experience. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-150 feet, often in the same spots year after year. They're curious fish that'll actually follow divers around. Summer through fall is when they're most active and easier to target. What makes them special is that first pull - it's like hooking a small car. They're not fast but incredibly strong. Use heavy tackle with 80+ pound line and big live baits like jacks or rays. My tip: anchor close enough to the structure to get their attention, but far enough that you have a chance to pull them away before they break you off in the rocks.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are powerful fighters that'll test your gear and skills. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds and 5 feet long. They're built like torpedoes with that distinctive amber stripe running down their sides. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs in 60-200 feet of water. They're aggressive predators that love live bait - especially pinfish and cigar minnows. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that brutal first run when hooked - they'll dive straight for structure to cut you off. The meat is excellent, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. Pro tip: keep your drag locked tight and horse them up quick before they reach cover. These fish don't give up easy.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing - bright red fish with white bellies that average 2-8 pounds, though trophy fish can hit 20+ pounds. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water where they school up tight. Night fishing is productive since they feed actively after dark. What makes them special is they're incredible table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for any recipe. The fight is solid but not crazy, making them great for all skill levels. Federal season runs summer months with strict limits. They're bottom dwellers, so drop your bait right to the structure. Pro tip: use circle hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and once you find one, work that spot thoroughly - where there's one snapper, there's usually more.
Tierra Verde, FL